Disaster survivors in Mississippi who apply for assistance with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and are referred to the U.S. Small Business Administration are advised to submit an SBA loan application to ensure that the disaster recovery process continues.

If you are a homeowner or renter and SBA determines you cannot afford a loan, you may be considered for FEMA’s other needs assistance program, which provides grants for disaster-related medical and dental care, funeral costs and vehicle repairs. Survivors may also be eligible for assistance from other organizations.

There is no requirement to take out a loan if one is offered from SBA.

Next to insurance, SBA is the primary source of funds for real estate property repairs and replacing lost contents following a disaster. Renters and homeowners alike may borrow up to $40,000 to repair or replace clothing, furniture, cars or appliances damaged or destroyed in the disaster. Homeowners may be eligible for low-interest loans up to $200,000 for primary residence structural repairs or rebuilding.

May 24 is the last day survivors can register with FEMA and apply for SBA disaster loans for physical damage.

Loan applications may be submitted online at disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/ or mailed to: U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Rd., Ft. Worth, TX 76155-2243

For additional information, contact the SBA Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 or email DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov or visit sba.gov/disaster.